With “Cope,” Edmonton-based solo artist Scott’s Tees delivers a quietly powerful meditation on winter, emotion, and resilience. Released on December 10, 2025, the single captures the psychological weight of the colder months while offering moments of warmth and reflection, marking another thoughtful step forward for an artist steadily carving out a distinct space in the indie music landscape.
From the first notes, “Cope” feels hushed and inward-looking. The song unfolds slowly, mirroring the way winter encourages stillness and introspection. Scott’s Tees constructs a sonic environment that feels almost tactile — layered guitars shimmer softly, while restrained rhythms create space for emotion rather than urgency. There is a palpable sense of calm here, but it’s not empty calm; it’s the kind that carries weight, shaped by solitude and self-examination.
Lyrically, the track explores how the lack of sunlight and shortened days can affect mood and mental clarity. Rather than framing winter purely as something to endure, “Cope” treats it as a season that invites reflection and emotional honesty. The verses lean into vulnerability, while the chorus and pre-chorus provide a subtle release — a push and pull between heaviness and hope that gives the song its emotional core. This balance is what makes the track resonate so deeply.
Musically, Scott’s Tees draws influence from artists such as Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, and Smashing Pumpkins, yet blends these touchstones into something cohesive and personal. Bon Iver’s influence can be felt in the song’s structure and spacious guitar work, while Iron and Wine’s delicate harmonies soften the edges. The guitar tones, infused with a gentle shoegaze quality, nod to Smashing Pumpkins without overwhelming the intimacy of the song.
What truly sets “Cope” apart is its production approach. Recorded entirely in Scott’s bedroom, the track was created using an old multitrack recorder before being refined digitally. This fusion of analog warmth and modern clarity gives the song a lived-in, human quality. The hard-panned harmonies add a sense of depth and fullness to the vocals, surrounding the listener in a quiet, enveloping soundscape. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t require expensive studios — just vision and intent.
“Cope” also reflects Scott’s Tees’ growth since his earlier release, “We Move As Fast As Storms Allow,” which blended alt-rock and folk influences into a dreamlike form. While that track leaned into movement and momentum, “Cope” embraces stillness. Together, they suggest an artist unafraid to explore different emotional tempos and textures.
There are no grand gestures or dramatic climaxes here, and that’s precisely the point. “Cope” finds strength in restraint, allowing small moments to carry meaning. It’s a song for late nights, snow-lit streets, and quiet thoughts — a companion for anyone learning how to sit with their emotions rather than escape them.
With “Cope,” Scott’s Tees confirms himself as a thoughtful and promising voice in indie music. It’s a subtle but deeply affecting release, proving that sometimes the most powerful statements are the quietest ones.